Until 2nd Apr, 2025
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A PARCEL-GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF A XINIU, MING DYNASTY
LOT 76 - FAS0424
China, 1363-1644. Well cast in a recumbent pose with the left foreleg bent and the others tucked in, the head graciously turned backward, the horned beast well detailed with bulging eyes, funnel-shaped ears, and neatly incised mane, bears, and brows, with scrolling flames to the thighs and shoulders.
Provenance: A noted private collection in Geneva, Switzerland, acquired in the European trade on 14 August 1973, and thence by descent. An important part of this collection was on permanent loan and exhibited over several decades at the Asia-Africa Museum in Geneva. Two old collector labels ‘Ming 1373-1646’ and ‘AMA 2987’ to the interior, and two old labels ’2987’ and ‘217’ to the base. A copy of the previous owner’s handwritten notes, confirming the acquisition date and with a short description of the present object (numbered ‘2987’), accompanies this lot.
Condition: Good condition with some old wear and casting flaws as expected, light surface scratches, small nicks. Minor losses, some with associated old fills.
Weight: 1.1 kg (excl. base), 1.4 kg (incl. base)
Dimensions: Length 27.9 cm
With a fitted wood base from the Qing dynasty. (2)
The xiniu is a legendary Chinese animal. In ancient Chinese texts, the term xiniu originally meant rhinoceros. In later periods, the creature became increasingly mythologized after the rhinoceros was extinct in post-archaic China. By the Song dynasty, it had become a beast of legend, known only through literary references. Over time, the depiction of this animal changed to a more bovine appearance with a single curved horn on its head that was used to communicate with the sky, which is why the xiniu is often depicted gazing up at the moon.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Bonhams London, 9 November 2017, lot 193
Price: GBP 6,875 or approx. EUR 11,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A parcel-gilt bronze model of a mythical beast, Xiniu, Ming Dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and gilding. Note the similar size (26.3 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Sotheby’s London, 9 November 2011, lot 391
Price: GBP 9,375 or approx. EUR 17,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A parcel-gilt-bronze mirror stand, Ming dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and gilding. Note the size (24 cm) and the mirror stand mounted to the back.
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